Whether you’re a professional mechanic or an automotive enthusiast, a well-stocked toolbox is indispensable.
So, what sort of tools should you have in your garage? Well, the answer varies from person to person.
You’re not likely to purchase all the tools in one trip to the hardware store. (And where’s the fun in that, right?) The typical mechanic’s toolbox continually expands over the years, with some tools being handed down from generation to generation in some cases.
Also, each mechanic will use a certain tool more than the others - and will likely get attached to one or two mainstays in their toolbox.
However, there are a handful of mechanic tools that every garage will have in common.
Equip Your Garage
Below are 7 of these tools that are bound to come in handy for the usual automotive tasks - and our top picks for each one.
1) Socket Set
This contains a variety of socket sizes and attachments. A good set should come with a sturdy case: the sockets shouldn’t fall out easily when you open it the wrong way.
Why You Need It:
No toolbox is complete without a comprehensive socket set. These allow you to loosen or tighten different nuts and bolts as you go along.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Sunex 3361 SAE Deep Impact 12-Piece Socket Set, 3/8" Drive ($85.63)
b.) GEARWRENCH 84917N 8pc 3/8" Drive 6 Point Standard Universal Impact SAE Socket Set ($100.05)
c.) GearWrench 84939N 1/2-Inch 6 Point Metric Universal Impact Socket Set (15 Piece) ($216.59)
2.) Wrench Set
As with socket sets, a good wrench set should be a standard part of any toolbox. And with good reason.
Why You Need It:
Wrenches are handy for numerous tasks, particularly for loosening or tightening where a socket set can’t reach. Some mechanics have both metric and standard wrench sets so they can cover a wide range of applications.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) King Tony 1707SR 7pc 75° Offset Ring Wrench Set ($114.33)
b.) Titan TIT17289 Metric Jumbo Combination Wrench Set, 7 Piece ($166.29)
c.) GEARWRENCH 9702D 13pc 12 Point Flex Head Ratcheting Combination SAE Wrench Set ($287.58)
3.) Screwdriver Set
Screwdrivers come in different sizes and can be found in just about every home and garage. They are necessary for countless repair and maintenance tasks, and you never know when you’ll need access to one.
Thus, it always helps to have a good set of these handy.
Why You Need It:
Whether you’re adjusting parts, working with electrical connections, or removing/installing components, you’ll need a versatile set of screwdrivers.
Be sure to pick one with different types and sizes of heads to get the best bang for your buck.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Performance Tools PTW1710 18 Pcs Screwdriver Set ($49.38)
b.) Titan 17203 Screwdriver Set with Holder (26 Piece) ($72.71)
c.) Genius Tools GNSMS-013 13Pcs Pry Bar, Screwdriver Set ($133.36)
4.) Pliers
Like screwdrivers, pliers also come in different shapes and sizes depending on their use. There are combination pliers, needle-nose pliers, locking pliers, and so on.
Those with thin heads are ideal for getting into tiny spaces, while pliers with bigger heads are great for ripping out and twisting big objects.
Why You Need It:
Pliers are especially versatile since you can use them for gripping, twisting, bending, and cutting wires or small parts.
It’s best to get one big one and one small one to complete your arsenal of mechanic tools.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Performance Tools PTW1044 11" Long Handle Pliers ($24.08)
b.) Genius Tools GNS550604 Chain Nose Pliers With Cutter ($28.94)
c.) ATD Tools (827 7-Piece Mechanic's Pliers Set) ($119.98)
5.) Torque Wrench
What are torque settings?
They’re numerical values that indicate how tight certain bolts, nuts, or fasteners should be.
Usually measured in Newton Metres (Nm) or Foot Pounds (ft-lb), the specific torque settings for the most important parts of your car are usually listed in your vehicle’s workshop manual.
A torque wrench thus enables you to keep your car’s bits and pieces as tight as they need to be.
Why You Need It:
Abiding by each critical component’s specific torque specifications is key because over or under-tightening can damage your vehicle or affect its performance. Thus, having a torque wrench in your mechanic toolbox is crucial.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Performance Tools PTM196 1/4 Dr Torque Wrench ($104.56)
b.) CDI Torque Products 2503MFRMH 1/2" Drive Micrometer Adjustable Torque Wrench, Torque range 30' - 250' lbs ($226.72)
c.) Rodac RDTW600F Torque Wrench 3/4" 100/600Ft P ($450.46)
6.) Jack and Jack Stands
A hydraulic jack and a set of jack stands raise a vehicle off the ground, allowing you access to the undercarriage.
Why You Need It:
You’ll need these tools for automotive tasks like changing tires, performing maintenance, or inspecting the suspension.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Sunex 1410 10-Ton, High Height, Pin Type, Jack Stands, Pair ($659.73)
b.) Sunex 6614, Air Hydraulic Floor Jack, 10 Ton Capacity ($3,198.88)
c.) Omega 25055B 2.5 Ton Magic Lift Service Jack and 3 Ton Jack Stands Combo ($603.01)
7.) Diagnostic Scanner
Diagnostic tools are quickly becoming part of every mechanic tool kit as computers are increasingly incorporated into vehicles.Fortunately, there are a variety of diagnostic tools available on the market today.
Why You Need It:
Diagnostic tools like scanners enable you to retrieve error codes from your car’s onboard computer system. This way, you can identify and diagnose issues accurately.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Topdon TDAD800BT Diagnostic Scanner Artidiag 800Bt ($563.17)
b.) Topdon TDPHOENIX-LITE-2 Diagnostic Scanner ($1,193.06)
c.) Autel MaxiSYS MS906 Pro-TS Diagnostic Scanner Tool ($2,993.89)
We Meet Your Needs
To conclude, this isn’t an exhaustive list, by all means.
Depending on the type of tasks you usually do as well as the sort of vehicles you work on, you may need additional tools as well.
Whether you’re just starting to build your mechanic toolkit or already have an ever-expanding arsenal of tools, MPR Tools and Equipment has got you sorted.
Elevate your toolbox by checking our shop. Get the right tool for the job - at the best price!
